Former District Judge Martin remembered fondly following his death

LAS CRUCES — Retired state District Judge James Thomas Martin Jr. was remembered Tuesday as a man who lived life to the fullest.

Martin, 86, died Jan. 23 after a brief illness.

Services will be at 1 p.m. Saturday at St. Paul's United Methodist Church, 225 W. Griggs Ave., followed by a celebration of Martin's life at the family home.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Martin's memory to Mesilla Valley Hospice or the American Cancer Society.

Martin moved to Las Cruces in 1953 and practiced law until July 1981, when he was recommended by the Doña Ana County Bar Association to become a district judge for New Mexico's Third Judicial District Court. He served on the bench for more than 16 years.

"Judge Martin, during the time he was on the bench, was very well respected," said Douglas Driggers, presiding judge of the Third Judicial District Court. "He was decisive, he controlled his courtroom quite well, and he was courteous to lawyers and to the jury. He had a solid sense of humor, but his rulings were always clear and concise. He never bore ill will against anyone."

Martin was known by just about everyone who appeared before him as being tough, but always fair. One of his favorite mementos from his time on the bench was a T-shirt with the phrase "The Judge," given to him by inmates at the Southern New Mexico Correctional Facility for his work to help them with their education, addiction, rehabilitation and life skills training.

Advertisement

Martin was also active in politics. He was elected in 1958 to the New Mexico House of Representatives.

In 1969 he served in the New Mexico Constitutional Convention, which helped clarify and amend the state's Constitution. He also served on the state Board of Education, state Board of Economic Development and the New Mexico State Highway Commission.

Martin was born on Aug. 16, 1926 in Nashville. During World War II he joined the U.S. Navy and was assigned to the USS Littlerock. After World War II, Martin was honorably discharged and returned to college on the G.I. Bill. He enrolled at Vanderbilt University and graduated with a law degree in 1951.

On a drive from Tennessee to California, a friend suggested Martin stop in Las Cruces to visit another Vandy graduate, Forest Sanders and his law partner, Rufus Garland. Martin stayed in contact with Garland, and eventually returned to Las Cruces in 1953 to work as an associate in the law firm. The firm ultimately became Garland, Martin and Martin.

Martin often gave advice to young people,

"Find something you enjoy doing in life, because if you enjoy it you will be good at it and you will be able to make a living," Martin often said.

The law firm grew over time and in addition to Rufus Garland and Martin's brother, Wilson, the firm included Bill Lutz, Charles Creswell, James Roggow, Steve Hubert and Mike Winchester. Many associates spent time with the Martin Law Firm and often sought the advice of the senior partner.

"He and his brother, Wilson, hired me out of law school," said Las Cruces attorney William Lutz. "I worked with him until he became a district judge. I was always close to him and had an awful lot of respect for him."

Away from his professional career, Martin was an outdoor enthusiast. He often took week-long horseback trips into the Gila Wilderness with friends, and also enjoyed hunting and deep sea fishing.

He was also a firm believer in giving back to his community. He served on many boards, committees and was active in many charitable organizations. He especially enjoyed his time with the Doña Ana County Sheriff's Posse, and was an active member of the Masonic Lodge, and helped establish Jornada Lodge 70.

After retiring from the court, Martin enjoyed spending time with family and friends. He traveled extensively, and continued to ride horses, snow ski, and snowmobile.

He was preceded in death by his mother Ruth, his father James, his sister Viola Mae, his "hijastra," or stepdaughter, Erma Anaya, and a wife Patricia.

Martin is survived by his daughter Georgia Salopek; a son, Patrick Kirksey; a daughter, Lockie Sue Machado; a son Stuart Kirksey; and son Jim T. Martin, who followed his father and is now serving as a state district judge. Martin is also survived by his brother, Wilson, an adopted daughter, Cita, and her father, Salome Anaya, and his wife, Charlotte K. P. Martin.

Martin's survivors also include grandchildren, Anton Salopek and Rett Salopek, and Karina Martin and Zachery Martin.

Steve Ramirez can be reached at 575-541-5452. Follow him on Twitter @SteveRamirez6